The lighting industry is abuzz with new technologies to meet energy savings requirements. Compact fluorescent lights, CFLs, light emitting diodes, LEDs, and organic light emitting diodes, OLEDs, are becoming familiar terms.
The CFL was expected to become the dominant provider of residential general illumination. But the success of the CFL is also its failure. Its longer life has cut into its own sales. These sales are misleading as they were initially heavily subsidized by governments. The initial quality of CFLs produced were poor resulting in less than expected net savings. The EPA warnings about how to contain a broken CFL were such that families with small children would think twice before installing one. Recyclability of the CFL has not really been addressed in a uniform way. Therefore, the once incredible wind-fall market, mandated by governments, may never be realized for CFLs. In fact US imports of CFLs rose from 144 million units in 2005 to 460 million units in 2007 (a 300% gain) but then fell to 317 million units in 2009.
Cold cathode fluorescent lights (CCFLs) hidden behind LCD displays are being replaced. Light emitting diodes (LEDs), once limited to red, amber, and green have bloomed in white light. Advances are occurring almost daily in developing white LEDs that are more naturally colored and brighter. The highest grades are called high-brights (HB-LEDs). HB-LEDs are moving in to take the lead as back-lighting agents leading to thinner, lighter, and brighter displays.
Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are formed from organic rather than inorganic materials and are printed rather than etched or layered on a semiconductor chip. Printing is an economical process but requires great control. So far OLEDs are still waiting for their big technological break-though but it's only a matter of time.
Quickly on the heels of the diodes are other more exotic technologies including quantum dots and semi-micro-electro-mechanical systems (micro machines!).
All of these competing technologies have advantages and disadvantages. As of now the markets are wide open and can accommodate many participants. Because the entry cost to some of these technologies is fairly low even small operators have chances to make big profits. However, once a 15% reduction in energy is achieved advanced lighting controls, smart grids etc. will offer less savings.
LED and Energy Efficient Lighting Worldwide Markets: Indoor, Outdoor, Residential, Commercial reviews these technologies and their applications in general illumination, illuminated signage, electronic displays and vehicular lighting applications.
The CFL was expected to become the dominant provider of residential general illumination. But the success of the CFL is also its failure. Its longer life has cut into its own sales. These sales are misleading as they were initially heavily subsidized by governments. The initial quality of CFLs produced were poor resulting in less than expected net savings. The EPA warnings about how to contain a broken CFL were such that families with small children would think twice before installing one. Recyclability of the CFL has not really been addressed in a uniform way. Therefore, the once incredible wind-fall market, mandated by governments, may never be realized for CFLs. In fact US imports of CFLs rose from 144 million units in 2005 to 460 million units in 2007 (a 300% gain) but then fell to 317 million units in 2009.
Cold cathode fluorescent lights (CCFLs) hidden behind LCD displays are being replaced. Light emitting diodes (LEDs), once limited to red, amber, and green have bloomed in white light. Advances are occurring almost daily in developing white LEDs that are more naturally colored and brighter. The highest grades are called high-brights (HB-LEDs). HB-LEDs are moving in to take the lead as back-lighting agents leading to thinner, lighter, and brighter displays.
Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are formed from organic rather than inorganic materials and are printed rather than etched or layered on a semiconductor chip. Printing is an economical process but requires great control. So far OLEDs are still waiting for their big technological break-though but it's only a matter of time.
Quickly on the heels of the diodes are other more exotic technologies including quantum dots and semi-micro-electro-mechanical systems (micro machines!).
All of these competing technologies have advantages and disadvantages. As of now the markets are wide open and can accommodate many participants. Because the entry cost to some of these technologies is fairly low even small operators have chances to make big profits. However, once a 15% reduction in energy is achieved advanced lighting controls, smart grids etc. will offer less savings.
LED and Energy Efficient Lighting Worldwide Markets: Indoor, Outdoor, Residential, Commercial reviews these technologies and their applications in general illumination, illuminated signage, electronic displays and vehicular lighting applications.
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